Threads thread

[matter11]

I have a pretty traditional gray pinstripe suit that I plan to wear to interviews for jobs/internships in an office. Normally I would wear a typical silver and gray striped tie with it. I know some of you are suit buffs (I believe it was kor) so would it be a faux-pas to wear a red tie with said suit?
The tie is a reasonably strong red that is close to solid (very subtle texturing) that I like to wear to evening events.The shirt would be a traditional white dress one. Would this tie combo look incorrect at an interview or seem more bold/memorable/unique?

[Chief]

if you can provide pictures ill be able to help you because im bad with interpreting that kind of stuff in my head

[matter11]

if you can provide pictures ill be able to help you because im bad with interpreting that kind of stuff in my head

I can post pictures when I'm back at school but I'm asking for more of what is considered acceptable in the typical business environment or if a grey pinstripe and a vibrant red tie is just a nono.

[zaneyard]

I'd help you out but I don't wear any clothes to business functions because I fuck bitches and get money.

[Kirby]

I'd help you out but I don't wear any clothes.

[Didzo]

Post pics please.

[ZargonX]

Post pics please.

[rumsfald]

[quote author=Didzo link=topic=6164.msg235492#msg235492 date=1325620660]
Post pics please.

[/quote]

I expect most would want to see since you have the exact combo and you aren't shopping. 

In the US, red ties are generally considered "power ties" and are certainly welcome in a business context. Like so:


Red tie pairs well with navy or black suits.




A grey suit and a white shirt, however, is a different, matter. Depending on the colors and textures, it could look like this:



on the other hand, it might look like this



Thus, your pics, please:

[Kor]

Generally speaking, the use of grey suit as a younger male isn't recommended. Regardless if it's smoke-coloured like Pee Wee, or charcoal like Cobert, it's an older gent's colour. As previously mentioned, it's not recommended to wear power-ties to interviews: The idea of remaining memorable doesn't lie in wearing a garish tie, people remember the ensemble as a whole(and how you looked in it).

Without knowing what you're financially capable of managing(or what else is sitting in your wardrobe beyond what's mentioned), I'll offer two scenarios to improve your look without seeing(or changing) the suit itself. First and most easily, try another shirt. A common practice is to pick up common elements in an ensemble. In your case, look at the colouring of the pinstripe in your suit, and match it as closely as you can. Match that up with your silver tie for something with a little more contrast. The idea with this is to maintain colour depth in the same palette: Obviously, Red and Grey are nowhere near each other. To expound on that colour contrast, the second option is try another shirt/tie combo within the grey suit framework. You can have a little more freedom with this option, grey is a great colour to match up with any other earthtone in the colour wheel.

If I may, I suggest revisiting your suit colour as soon as its feasible. Grey is a fine addition to an established wardrobe, but a Navy or Black suit is the foundation to which all things in suit wear are based off of. The flexiblity of Navy/Black  affords you the ability of assembling nearly anything required for an interview/wedding/funeral/formal event, at minimal cost.

Edit: Earth tones for the uninitiated:

[matter11]

I apologize for only having a webcam to take pictures. Also The only other suit I own is a black three button (obv formal, not business) and a navy blazer. In the future I would get a navy suit but this is what I have for now. I would be able to buy more ties or dress shirts in the near future though.

These pictures make the suit look a little bit lighter than it actually is

[Luinbariel]

Pop a green tie on that and I'm sold.

[rumsfald]

That looks fine to me. I differ from Kor, somewhat, in that I think a power tie can be worn to a first interview. I've done it.

That said, you also need a second suit for any second interviews. In that case, I would save that red tie for use with with the navy blazer as a decent 2nd interview outfit . I would likely tone down the blazer/red tie vibe with some nice khakis, since if you are invited back for a 2nd interview usually things are getting less formal.

You should definitely listen to Kor and get some more shirts in the lineup. I've got a number that range from white to soft white to eggshell to light grey, etc., and you'd be amazed at how such slight differences help blend shirt and suit.

I'd also totally pull a light lavender shirt with that grey suit and silver/black tie.

[Kor]

First pic isn't too shabby, a lighter grey or stone coloured would blend that silver/black tie nicely. As for the red tie, it's doing what every other power tie does: diverts attention away from your face. Without getting into it too deeply, there's many, many factors that can be considered in making your ensemble memorable. That second pic's look is seen everywhere: Advertising, Cubicles, Donald fucking Trump, Magazines, everywhere. You know as well as I do that something that is repeatably seen is often ignored.

I'm curious as to what makes your black suit formal only. Satin striping on the pant/lapels? Perhaps the fabric? If it's only a black suit... use it. Get some colours into it. I know there's still a patterned shirt vibe going on, black works that shit like a pro.

I'd also totally pull a light lavender shirt with that grey suit and silver/black tie.

One thing at a time Rummy. Lavender is an Advanced User colour, it's completely reckless to suggest such a thing to a neophyte.

[Eightball]

Well, it's about time this thread got resurrected. As some of you know, I'm currently in the midst of applying to medical school, and an interview for each of these schools towards the autumn & winter months is a necessary requirement for admission. So, while I'm home in Madison for a few days, and have access to some formalwear, I wanted to consult with you fine folks about what would give the strongest impression during such an interview. Since the photographs I have are not 100% representative of what I would wear to these interviews, allow me to refine my request a bit more:

I want to make an ensemble that will give a favorable impression, or at least not give a negative one. Ties, pants, and undershirts are all easily acquired--I'm pretty flexible if you guys have recommendations for those. However, the actual jacket is my biggest concern right now, as I will probably work an outfit around whatever jacket I'll be wearing. Currently I have access to four such jackets and want to hear your opinions on them. Here are some (poor) photographs, since I see the value of photographs from when Matter started this thread. Just two quick caveats: I meant to have my hair cut today, unfortunately due to scheduling conflicts that will be done over the weekend. Also, I just happened to select the white undershirt and this particular tie because they were the most convenient. My collection of ties is here. Feel free to ask and I'll try to whip up a different combination for reference.

Jacket #1. This is a black jacket I wore as a part of my getup for Senior prom in high school. I was a bit on the heavier side then, though I'm not sure if this reflects that. People say black is rather formal, and my family thinks that it's a bit too "long" for an interview. Still, it's the most obvious choice in my head.

Jacket #2. This is a black cashmere sport coat that I just received as a gift. It's pretty damn comfortable, but the fact that it's a sports coat makes me take pause as to whether or not it is appropriate interview attire. It's warm, but not heavy.

Jacket #3. This is a grey wool jacket which actually belonged to my father. He wore it to his high school graduation, making this coat older than I am. I saw what you guys said about grey being an older gent's color, and I'm inclined to agree here. This one's a bit on the itchy side, and I'm not a fan of the buttons. It's probably my least favorite; pending a unanimous verdict that it actually looks good I will probably not select this one. Didn't have matching pants.

Jacket #4. This is also a grey wool jacket which belonged to my father; he wore this one to his wedding, making it not quite so much older than me. It's a bit more comfortable, and it has matching pants. Still, I think I hit that perfect Pee-Wee Herman vibe you guys spoke of earlier.

So what do you guys think? Should I invest in something new, perhaps a navy blue or very dark grey? Would any of these benefit from a different selection of Tie/Shirt/Pants?

[TOH]

What kind of shoes do you have?

[Eightball]

What kind of shoes do you have?

Wish I knew names of different types or styles. They're very plain, laced black shoes, something like this. Ordinary in every sense. However, I'm willing to pick up shoes if you guys present a good case for getting a certain style or color.

[Saxxy]

looking pretty good

[Eightball]

oh wow

+1

[Didzo]

Nice shoes.

[Kor]

Thoughts: Both greys are out. The sport jacket has open pockets, that's amateur hour. Jacket #1 is high cut lapel and a longer body by design, which is fine for proms and weddings, but lacks the lines for an interview. I'd recommend a new suit if that's an option. Navy or Black is always fine for interviews, charcoal is a bit more seasonal but it's you're call. While solids are still a fan-favorite, pin-striping has reemerged once more, which can make it more visually impressive when you match your shirt colour to the colour of the pinstripe and a tie that compliments both colours of suit and shirt. By the looks of your build, a 2 button would be best, current looks have narrow lapel jacks and pleatless pants. 3 buttons are still legit, it's a matter of taste and tailoring.

Your ties, from left to right: 1/2 I wouldn't recommend for an interview, they have the look of a daily wear on a white shirt. 3 looks like it'd fit under a black suit with a white/grey/silver shirt. 4 is a solid swing tie for black or navy. 5 is perfect under a navy suit with any blue/silver/white. 6 is hella legit under black with white and only white(because it's for an interview, otherwise a burgundy would look badass under that).

Feel free to ask any more questions, I used to do this for a living.